Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[cf436970]

I have an opportunity to schedule a speaking engagement or two. I've been chickening out because I don't know how to write a presentation or what to say (it's been a long time since my communications class in school!!).

Does anyone have something they can share? Thank you.

e

[3fe24525]

emsawyer,

I have given hundreds of presentations to audiances ranging from 10 to 200. While I don't have a specific presentation for you, I can give you the formula for creating your own. Just by answering these simple questions, you will be well on your way.

1. Who is your audiance? Here you want to identify what benifit your services has for them. Are these business people, church group, or retired individuals? Remember, everyone is listining to WIIFM (whats in it for me)

2. How long is the presentation going to last? Knowing your time frame and your audiance will help you focus your comments to what is meaningfull.

3. What are they expecting to hear? Are they looking for a sales pitch or to be taught something? Either way you need to give more then you get. Remember, you are not trying to sell them, you are only trying to connect with them. Establishing trust and confidance is your only goal.

4. Last question, what is the environment and how much can you controll it. Is it a large space or a small space, is there a projector available for power point? Will you need a mic etc. If you are expecting 50 people don't set the room for 50, set it for 30 and have 20 or more chairs on standby. It is much more exciting to have to set up extra chairs then it is to have half a room empty.

To get over the presentation gitters, practice and time your presentation several times.

I hope this helps

[emsawyer]

Thanks for the great response. I have some food for thought, which is 10 paces ahead of where I was when I posted!

E